Week 14 In The NFL

Welcome back to Touchdowns and Kicks on the team990.com

This week I will try something different. I’ll analyze games specifically instead of tackling subjects one by one.

But before I do, a reader’s email needs to be answered. And I have to ask one question.

Dedicated reader Anthony Ricciardi sent this email late Sunday night. “Tony Romo led the Cowboys to another comeback win today (versus Detroit). Since he took over for Bledsoe, does Romo have the most comeback wins in the NFL?"

Thank you for the email Anthony. I’ll be glad to answer your question. Tony Romo took over as the Cowboys starting QB in Week 7 last year.

So who has the most 4th quarter comeback wins since week 7 of the 2006 season?

The winner with FIVE 4th quarter comeback victories is.....actually there are three winners....Romo, Philip Rivers and Vince Young.

Anthony, isn’t it interesting that on the day Tony Romo brought the Cowboys back from 13 points down versus Detroit, Philip Rivers was bringing the Chargers from 14 points down against the Titans, who were quarterbacked by...Vince Young. Seven degrees of Kevin Bacon comes to mind.

Second question: which quarterback has the most GAME WINNING DRIVES since week 7 of the 2006 season?

Answer: I won’t tell you right now.

I will tell you that this quarterback has SIX game winning drives since Tony Romo became a starter.

I will tell you who it isn’t. The following quarterbacks all have FIVE game winning drives since Tony Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe (remember him)

Philip Rivers, Vince Young, Tony Romo, Ben Roethslinger, Tom Brady, Brett Favre.

I’ll narrow it down for you some more.

These quarterbacks have FOUR game winning drives since Week 7 of the 2006 season:

Alex Smith (don’t laugh) Jeff Garcia, Rex Grossman (don’t laugh), Matt Hasselback, Eli Manning, Damon Huard, Jon Kitna.

So who is this 4th quarter maestro with SIX game winning drives in the last 25 weeks of regular season action?

I’ll print the best emails, whether the answer is right or wrong. You can send them to me at jimmy.garoufalis@team990.com

The answer may or may not surprise you.

What is a Game Winning Drive? When the game is tied at any time in the 4th quarter (without either team leading) at the time the winning points are put on the board

What is a Comeback drive? When the team that wins the game is trailing at any time during the 4th quarter

On to Sunday’s games. There is lots to cover.

Patriots 34 Steelers 13 : 16-0 Is Now A Guarantee

The Steelers were the only hope in preventing a Patriot 16-0 season.

The Steelers failed to get the job done.

I give you this guarantee: The Patriots will go 16-0. Not much of a guarantee since everyone thinks the same thing. Let’s take a look.

Next week versus the Jets: they better bring a scoreboard that can reach triple digits because it will be ugly. For the Jets. Patriots win.

Week 16 versus the Dolphins: repeat previous two sentences.

Week 17 versus the Giants: the Giants are 9-4. Only a miracle can prevent the Giants from missing the playoffs. That isn’t the issue however. The issue is that the Giants cannot get a bye week under any circumstances, since they won’t win their division.

What does this have to do with the Patriots? Everything. No bye week for New York means Head Coach Tom Coughlin will treat the Patriots game as a bye week and rest all his starters.

Excellent approach by Coughlin. Not great for the NFL Network that will be broadcasting the game, but good for the Giants.

Patriots 34 Steelers 13 : Tom Brady And The Records He Might Break

In1984 Dan Marino threw for 5084 yards, an average of 318 per game.

This year, after 13 games, Tom Brady has thrown for 4095 yards, an average of 315 per game.

But don’t worry Brady fans. With the Spygate Revenge game this weekend, Brady can get back on track by throwing for 354 yards.

Brady might pick up those yards in the first half alone.

On to the record for most touchdown passes in a season.

Peyton Manning threw 49 touchdown passes in 2004.

Brady has thrown 45 touchdown passes in 13 games thus far.

Don’t be surprised if Brady throws five touchdown passes against the Jets in the first half alone.

Cowboys 28 Lions 27 : Don’t Try To Be A Hero

If the Arizona Cardinals miss the playoffs by one game, they’ll think about the opening Monday Night Game against the San Francisco 49ers.

What happened on opening night? The 49ers were driving for a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute. With 30 seconds left, Alex Smith completed what should have been a touchdown pass to Arnaz Battle. However Battle had the ball stripped at the goal line and Cardinal safety Terrance Holt had a chance to end the game.

All Holt had to do was (a)fall on the ball in the end zone for a touchback or (b)push the ball out of the back of the end zone for a touchback. Either (a) or (b) would have ended the game because the Cardinals would have gained possession.

Instead, Terrance Holt tried to pick up the ball and run with it. He lost the ball, the 49ers recovered in the end zone and scored the winning touchdown one play later. (Offensive team cannot advance a forward fumble in the last 2 minutes of a half or game)

What does the situation I just described have to do with the Lions? Only everything.

1:28 left in the 4th quarter. Cowboys trailing 27-21, down to their last possession, no timeouts remaining. Here is the AP description of what happened.

“On the fifth play of the Cowboys' winning drive, defensive end Jared DeVries batted the ball out of Romo's hands. Linebacker Paris Lenon had a chance for the recovery but couldn't grab the ball. Cowboys guard Kyle Kozier -- a former Lion -- fell on it.

Six plays later, Dallas got the touchdown and extra point to win.”

Just like my title “Don’t Try To Be A Hero” says, don’t try to be a hero. Just fall on the ball!!!. Don’t be fancy!!! Fall on the ball, game is over.

Why do defensive players try to pick up a bouncing ball and start running with it? This is not their specialty.

Both the Lions and Cardinals are 6-7 , one game out of a playoff spot. When the season ends they’ll think of these 2 plays more than any others. Unless they make the playoffs, which seems unlikely at this point.

Cowboys 28 Lions 27 : That Phrase Again “Tragic Inevitability”

Admit it, during the 4th quarter you were thinking of how this game reminded you of the Ravens Patriots Monday nighter

(a)Overmatched struggling team on a losing streak playing at home against a superpower.

(b)Struggling team has been airing dirty laundry in public

(c)Struggling team is leading throughout, but keeps missing chances to put the game away.

(d)Home crowd keeps waiting for, as Tony Kornheiser so eloquently stated on Monday Night Football, the “tragic inevitability” of defeat.

Something will go wrong for the Lions. I knew it. Since 2001, it always has.

Redskins 24 Bears 16 : The Last Chance For Joe Gibbs

The Skins are 6-7, one game behind the Vikings for the final playoff spot.

The bad news first: Jason Campbell is done for the season.

Now the good news: The Skins control their destiny: If they win their last three, they’ll make the playoffs.

Now the really good news: When the chips are down, Joe Gibbs has a history of winning late in the season. Let’s take a look.

1985: Skins are 5-5 and in a tight playoff race. They are playing the Giants on Monday Night Football. Their season is on the line. Joe Thiesmann breaks his leg (yes, that game) and is replaced by some unknown named Jay Schroeder. Result: 4th quarter comeback beats the Giants, unknown quarterback goes 4-1 the rest of way as the Skins finish 10-6

1989: Skins had just lost to the 0-10 Cowboys, falling to 5-6. They were in a tight playoff race. Desperate times? Sure. A problem? Not with Joe Gibbs as coach. Skins won their last five games to finish the season 10-6.

1992: Skins were 6-5 and in a tight playoff race. (Aren’t they always?) The Skins won their next three to go to 9-5, enough to get them into the playoffs despite losing their last 2.

Okay, that was the story of the Redskins during the Joe Gibbs, Version One years.

What about Joe Gibbs, Version Two years? Have the Skins staged any late season rallies?

Yes they have.

2005: Skins were 5-3, in good position for a playoff push. Then they blew three straight 4th quarter leads to the Bucs, Chargers and Raiders. Suddenly they were 5-6 and in a tight playoff race (again) The Skins then turned back the clock to the 80's and won their last 5 games, finishing 10-6 and even winning a playoff game.

So Skins fans don’t fret, don’t worry. At least not yet.

Colts 44 Ravens 20 : Three Losers From This Game

There were three losers from this game.

Loser or Losers Number 1:
The Ravens: national television audience and they don’t bother to show up. Where is the heart, hustle and desire that Ray Lewis always talks about. The Ravens should be ashamed of themselves.

Loser Number 2:
Head Coach Brian Billick.: Let’s not kid ourselves. The Ravens are a better team than this. Want proof? Last Monday’s game against the Patriots, when they went toe to toe and almost came away giant killers.

Was it just me or did the Ravens look like a team that was trying to get their coach fired?

How can any team fall behind 30-0 early in the 2nd quarter? It doesn’t matter if you are playing the 1989 49ers or the 1998 Broncos: it is still professional football.

I had the privelege of seeing the game on a huge TV screen and I was not impressed by two things.

(A)There was no bumping of the Colts receivers at the line of scrimmage. None whatsover

(B)The blitzing was sporadic and when it was called, done halfheartedly

Which brings me to LOSER Number 3 from the Colts Ravens game

Loser Number 3:
Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan

Midway through the 4th quarter of the Patriots Ravens game, I am sure everyone was thinking the same thing I was thinking: this guy Rex Ryan may be head coaching material.

Background: defensive specialist. Check
Genetics: he’s Buddy’s boy. Check

Now I am not so sure. There will be at least five head coaching vacancies this January and I am not convinced that Rex Ryan will be picked for any of them.

Six days ago Ryan called timeout just when the Ravens were stuffing Tom Brady on 4th and inches. Now on national television his unit pulls a disappearing act.

Ryan still might get a head coaching job in January, but he better hope that owners and GM’s conveniently forget about the Colts debacle.

Giants 16 Eagles 13 : Three Close Ones In A Row, It’s Over For Philly

Three weeks ago the Eagles were 5-5, on the outskirts of the playoffs but getting there quick.

Three weeks later the Eagles are 5-8 and done for. The sad reality is that the Eagles could just as easily have been 8-5. But they are not. Too bad.

What is truly depressing is that in each of their three losses the Eagles were in enemy territory late in the 4th quarter but were unable to punch in the winning/tying points. Let’s take a closer look.

Two weeks ago versus the Patriots: trailing 31-28, AJ Feely took the ball on his 8 yard line with 7:14 left in the 4th quarter. 7 plays later, the Eagles were on the Patriot 29 yard line, facing a 2nd and 4. Worst case scenario: 47 yard field goal attempt to tie the game by ace David Akers.

That would have been the worst case scenario. Unfortunately Feely tried to force a pass into the end zone, easy interception, Pats ran out the clock. Eagles lose, fall to 5-6.

Last week versus Seattle: trailing 28-24 with 4:20 left, the Eagles reached the Seahawk 44 yard line, but AJ Feely threw incomplete on 4th and 6 with 1:56 remaining.

But the game wasn’t over. Using their timeouts, they forced Seattle to punt, and Brian Westbrook returned the kick 64 yards all the way to the Seahawk 14 yard line. There was 1:16 remaining.

It wasn’t meant to be. Sack, followed by a short run, then Feely was intercepted on 4th and 11 with 12 seconds left. Now the game was over.

Finally, yesterday against the Giants: trailing 16-13 Donovan McNabb got the ball back with 5:51 remaining on his 5 yard line. 7 plays later McNabb threw incomplete on 4th and 5 from the Giant 44 yard line. There was 1:57 left. Sound familiar?

But the game wasn’t over. Sound familiar? With 2 timeouts the Eagles forced a punt and got the ball back on their own 11 yard line with 53 seconds left.

3 completions for 50 yards brought the ball to the Giant 39. Unfortunately, with the chance to bring the game to overtime, David Akers hit the upright from 57 yards out. No overtime.

And so brings a conclusion to the Eagles, version 2007.

Browns 24 Jets 18 : Uhh.... What Was That All About?

I am not sure I understand.

Jets trail 17-12 with 1:54 remaining. Jets have all 3 timeouts.

Jets ball on the Browns 20 yard line. It is 4th and 10.

Jets Coach Eric Mangini had a couple of options at his disposal.

Option 1: Kick a field goal to make the score 17-15. From there the Jets can try an onside kick or kick deep and force a three and out.

If the Jets try an onside kick and fail, they can still force a three and out but the best starting field position they can expect is their own 20 yard line with about 1:15 left.

If the Jets kick deep and force a three and out, they can expect starting field position at their own 30-35, again with about 1:15 remaining.

In both situations, the Jets would only need to get into field goal range.

Option 2: Simple. Gamble on 4th down.

What’s the worst thing that can happen if the Jets fail to get a first down at the Brown 20 yard line?

The Browns would get the ball back, but the Jets would still have 3 timeouts remaining to force a three and out. A Browns punt would bring the Jets field position at about their 35-40 yard line.

The only difference between Option 1 and Option 2 is that if the Jets fail to get a first down, they would need a touchdown instead of a field goal, assuming they get the ball back..

With all that being said, the only sensible decision is to go for it.

Think about it logically. By gambling and getting a first down, the Jets avoid having to (a)put their defense on the field and (b)attempt an onside kick. Gambling simplifies everything.

Instead of looking at all the variables (and there are plenty of them) Mangini would have been better served to go for it and ask for a defensive stop if the gamble failed.

Instead, Mangini decided to kick the field goal, which made the score 17-15.

The onside kick failed. Three plays later, Jamaal Lewis scored from 31 yards out to put the game away.

Yes, there are risks with gambling on 4th and 10. But kicking a field goal requires that the Jets either (a) recover the onside kick or (b)force a three and out.

Basically, by kicking a field goal, Mangini decided to include many different elements in his strategy. Just go for it.

Seahawks 42 Cardinals 21 : Positives Followed By Negatives

This is the story of the Cardinals: Every time there is a positive, it is followed immediately by a negative.

Example 1: Cards down 24-0 late in the first half. Kurt Warner takes them down the field and converts a 4th and 2 from the 11 into a touchdown. Cards trail 24-7 at the half, but with some momentum.

Except...except that the Cards special teams gives Seattle great field position and the Cards defense allows Seattle to get into field goal range. 41 yard field goal and the momentum is gone. 27-7 Seattle at the half.

Example 2: Cards get a touchdown with a minute left in the 3rd quarter. They trail 27-14, a two possession game. A defensive stand would give Kurt Warner plenty of time to execute the hurry up offense to get the Cards back into the game.

Except that there was no need for a defensive stand. Neil Rackers recovered his own surprise onside kick, giving the Cardinals great field position at the 43 yard line.

This was great news for Arizona, a huge momentum shift except... Kurt Warner threw a pick on the very next play..

Example 3: But that’s okay because the Cards get their defensive stand. Sort of. Seattle gets to the Cards 10 yard line with 12 minutes left in the 4th quarter, and on 3rd down Hasselback throws the ball away. That’s okay, chip shot field goal makes it 30-14, still a two possession game. The odds aren’t with the Cards, to be sure, but the game is not over.

Except...except.... defensive tackle Darnell Dockett decides to take an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, giving Seattle an automatic first down. Very nice work if you can get it.

Result: 3 plays later, Hasselback touchdown pass to Marcus Pollard and the game is now truly over.

Buffalo 38 Miami 17 : No Gamble, Another Loss

I wish to ask Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron a question: what were you thinking?

Your team is down 31-7 at the half. With one minute left in the 3rd quarter your team has made it 31-17 and has the ball at the Bills 45 yard line. It is 4th and 4.

The punting unit comes onto the field. Coach Cameron, why aren’t you gambling?

You’re 0-12, potentially on the way to 0-16. Your offense has scored on two straight possessions so they are moving the ball reasonably well. What have you got to lose?

Coaches who refuse to take risks usually fail and Coach Cameron is no exception.

Dolphins punt. Bills get the ball on their 15 yard line, 7 plays later, touchdown and it is 38-17 Bills. Game Over.


Jaguars 37 Panthers 6 : Another Gamble, Another Win

Unlike Cam Cameron, Jack Del Rio isn’t afraid to take chances. Regular readers of Touchdowns and Kicks are well aware of my admiration of Del Rio’s risky play calling. Are risks worthwhile? Maybe not, but who can argue with a 9-4 record?

On to this week’s Del Rio gamble.

Situation: game scoreless, 4 minutes left in the 1st quarter. 4th and 2 from the Panther 35 yard line. How many times have you seen a coach go for the long field goal or punt the ball in order win the field position battle? The answer: too often.

The Jaguars on the other hand, have made a living out of early game gambles. Yesterday was no exception. Gamble, screen pass to Maurice Jones Drew for 13 yards followed by a 22 yard strike to Reggie Williams for a touchdown. 7-0 Jags and they never trailed.

The lesson: teams have to be willing to take chances in order to be successful.


Well that’s it for me. I hope you enjoyed my commentary on all things NFL. I’ll be back Thursday afternoon with my Week 15 predictions.